Charpentier : Grand Motets for the Holy Week

In catholic musical tradition, the Holy Week is a time of very special musical profusion. Drawing on all the musical forces of churches, cathedrals, convents and even concert halls, the Passion of Christ invades all official sites, with the entire Kingdom communing in the sufferings of the Redeemer.

For this concert, Sébastien Daucé wished to present the different aspects of the works composed by Charpentier on this occasion, for different uses. The Messe of course, for the grand offices as in the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, where Charpentier was Music Master, is the main composition for a great number of believers. The magnificent Misere of the Jesuits reminds us of the power of this order which dominated the French 18th century, because of its many religious buildings that were also powerful musical centres. Finally the Leçons de Ténèbres (Tenebrae) were destined for convents, but in that period of the year where all opera performances were forbidden, the public rushed to hear (without seeing them) the most beautiful voices in Paris convents which rivalled for the attendance of high society…

This ensemble of works for the Passion enables Sébastien Daucé to deploy all the colours of the instrument players and singers of the Ensemble Correspondances: Charpentier’s music is their chosen land; they perfectly express its instrumental subtlety and its natural choral beauty: an exceptional encounter between the best interpreters of Charpentier of the time and his most moving music…

Litanies de la Vierge, Charpentier

♦ PROGRAMME

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704)

Jesuit Miserere

Leçon de Ténèbres (Tenebrae)

Motets pour les Trépassés (Motets for the Deceased)

Mass

Onglets

Casting

Ensemble Correspondances

Sébastien Daucé Organ and conductor

Dates and Times

Tuesday 28th March 2017 – 8pm

Rates

Légende:

* Reduced prices for :

- those under 26, Château de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people.

- holders of 2 day Versailles passport. They must book exclusively by phone on +33 (0) 130 837 889 or on site on the day of the event (dependent on availability). Details of conditions on the Château de Versailles internet site.

> To ensure better service and access, people with reduced mobility are advised to book their seats by phone +33 (0) 130 837 889.